The surname Croxfithy is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Habitation names form the other broad category of surnames that were derived from place-names. They were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Other local names are derived from the names of houses, manors, estates, regions, and entire counties. As a general rule, the greater the distance between an individual and their homeland, the larger the territory they were named after. For example, a person who only moved to another parish would be known by the name of their original village, while people who migrated to a different country were often known by the name of a region or country from which they came. The name Croxfithy is derived from the Old English words "crawa," which means "crow," and "ford," which means "a river crossing," and indicates that the original bearer lived near a ford where crows nested.

Early Origins of the Croxfithy family

The surname Croxfithy was first found in Lanarkshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Lannraig) a former county in the central Strathclyde region of Scotland, now divided into the Council Areas of North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, and the City of Glasgow, where the family resided in this area as early as the 11th century when Alan, the youngest son of the 4th Earl of Richmond, received a large grant of lands from King William the Conqueror. When King David of Scotland moved north to assume the throne in 1130, some Crawfords accompanied him on his journey. Galfredus Crawford would gain lands in Clydesdale and his son, Sir Reginald, acquired the barony of Loudoun, from which a significant branch of the Campbells would develop. Later, Reginald de Crauford, John de Crauford and William de Crauford are all recorded as paying homage to Edward I in 1296.

Early History of the Croxfithy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Croxfithy research.Another 211 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1240, 1297, 1530, 1603, 1625, 1710, 1643 and are included under the topic Early Croxfithy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Croxfithy Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Crawford, Crawfurd, Craufurd, Crawferd, Crawfford, Crafford, Craford, Crafort, Crayford and many more.

Early Notables of the Croxfithy family (pre 1700)

Notable among the family at this time was Sir Ronald Crawford (c. 1240-1297), 4th Sheriff of Ayrshire, Chief of Clan Crawford, and Lord of Loudon Castle; Captain Thomas Crawford (1530-1603) of Jordanhill, trusted confidant of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, husband of... Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Croxfithy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Croxfithy family to Ireland

Some of the Croxfithy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 99 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Croxfithy family to the New World and Oceana

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: George Craford, who settled in Barbados in 1690; Dorothy Crafford, who settled in Virginia in 1642; Ann Crawford, who settled in Augusta Co. Virginia in 1640.

The Croxfithy Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.